Holliston's Blair Square Committee: What is it?

Sunday

Nov 12, 2017 at 8:21 PMNov 13, 2017 at 9:48 AM

The quick answer:

The Blair Square Committee, created by selectmen, is tasked with studying and recommending use for Blair Square, a green space between Holliston’s Front Street and Railroad Street. The town’s stretch of Upper Charles Rail Trail runs through the center of that area.

Preliminary ideas:

The charge to the committee is vague, letting members be creative, and expands the committee's reach from Church Street to Exchange Street.

Early ideas include a veterans memorial and installing a train caboose converted into a trailside bathroom.

Member Peter Barbieri said he hopes the plans will encourage trail users to check out Holliston businesses. The Blair Square section of trail opens out into Central Street in Holliston, and is less than a half mile from several downtown businesses. Some are just a few feet away.

What’s next?

Only three members have been appointed – a veteran, a Holliston in Bloom member, and a member of the town’s Economic Development Committee.

The town is looking for at least four more members, particularly people who frequently use area trails, or have some historic preservation or planning background.

"We're looking for several others to step forward," Town Administrator Jeff Ritter said.

The committee does not have a deadline in its charge.

Alison Bosma can be reached at 508-626-3957 or abosma@wickedlocal.com. Find her on Twitter at @AlisonBosma.